By Fiifi AFENYI-DONKOR (Rev’d)
Each year, on the 1st of May, Ghana joins the global community in celebrating May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day. This day is set aside to recognize the contributions of workers and advocate for their rights.
For many, it is a time to reflect on labour struggles, achievements, and the critical role of work in national development.
From a Christian perspective, however, May Day takes on an even deeper significance. It becomes a moment to reflect on the divine nature of work and its place in God’s grand design for humanity.
In this article, I will explain work as a divine calling from the perspective of scripture and through an exposition of a hymn (Methodist Hymn 601; They who tread the path of labour) and discuss its implications for the Ghanaian Worker.
Understanding Work in the Light of Scripture
The concept that work is a punishment for sin, based on Genesis 3, is a common misinterpretation.
After Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they were expelled from the Garden of Eden, and God said to Adam, “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life” (Genesis 3:17).
This view suggests that work itself is a consequence of sin, and that the difficulty and hardship often associated with work are punishments.
However, a proper interpretation suggests that work was part of God’s original plan for humanity, even before the Fall.
The Bible establishes the principle of work in Genesis 2:15, which says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
This divine mandate was given before the Fall, indicating that work is not a consequence of sin but an integral part of God’s purpose for humanity.
Therefore, work is not inherently punitive but was affected by sin, because of the fall. God’s plan to redeem and restore humanity includes transforming work (Ephesians 2:10 & Colossians 3:23-24).
Furthermore, Colossians 3:23-24 urges believers: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” This scripture emphasizes that work, when done faithfully and with integrity, is an act of worship.
Finally, scripture emphasises the sacredness of all vocations. Demonstratively, Apostle Paul upheld tentmaking alongside preaching (Acts 18:3, 1 Corinthians 4:12 & 1 Thessalonians 2:9). It shows that all honest work is valuable, not just preaching or “spiritual” jobs.
The Divine Nature of Work: Exposition of the Methodist Hymn 601(They who Tread the Path of Labour)
The hymn “They Who Tread the Path of Labour,” written by Henry van Dyke (1852–1933), beautifully captures the Christian perspective of work as a divine calling. Key themes include:
God’s Presence in Labour
The hymn affirms that God is present in all forms of work, regardless of its nature or difficulty. “Raise the stone and thou shalt find me; cleave the wood and I am there.” This suggests that God is not distant from our daily struggles but is intimately involved in our efforts
The Sanctity of Work
The hymn portrays work as a holy endeavour when done without complaining. “They who work without complaining do the holy will of God.” This implies that our attitude towards work can transform it into an act of worship.
Divine Companionship
The hymn reassures us of God’s companionship in our labour. “I am with thee everywhere… I, the peace that passeth knowledge, dwell amid the daily strife.” This offers comfort and strength to those facing challenges in their work.
Service to Others
The hymn highlights the importance of serving others through our work. “Every deed of love and mercy done to man is done to Me.” This echoes Jesus’ teaching that service to others is service to Him (Matthew 25:31-46).
Work As a Divine Calling
The Bible and the selected hymn (MHB 601) teach that work is a fundamental aspect of human life, ordained by God.
Work is viewed as more than a necessity for survival. It is seen as a divine calling and a means to participate in God’s creative and redemptive work. To view work as a divine calling, the following are noteworthy.
Work has inherent value: Regardless of your occupation, work can be a way to honour God. The Church upholds the belief that every form of work—whether in agriculture, education, health, or industry—is a service to God.
Purpose and meaning: Work can provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Work is viewed as partnering with God in the stewardship of His creation, contributing to both personal fulfilment and communal well-being.
Challenges In the Ghanaian Context in Relation to Work
While work is seen as a divine calling, workers in Ghana face numerous challenges that hinder the full expression of this purpose. Key among these are:
- Unemployment and Underemployment: High rates of unemployment, particularly among the youth, restrict many from realizing their potential in meaningful work. This gap not only affects economic stability but also diminishes the sense of purpose that work provides.
- Poor Working Conditions: Many Ghanaian workers endure inadequate wages, lack of proper safety measures, and insufficient benefits, which contradict the principles of dignity and respect that Christian theology associates with labour.
- Gender Inequality: Women in the workforce often face disparities in pay, opportunities, and workplace treatment, limiting their ability to fully participate in God’s calling through work.
- Lack of Skills and Vocational Training: A shortage of accessible vocational training and skill development programs leaves many unprepared for the demands of the modern job market.
- Ethical Challenges and Corruption: In some sectors, corruption and unethical practices undermine fair labour and economic justice, contradicting Christian values of integrity and honesty in work.
Implications for Workers in the Ghanaian Context
The Christian perspective of work as a divine calling has profound implications for workers in Ghana. First, it redefines work as a sacred duty, encouraging individuals to approach their tasks with a sense of purpose and commitment, regardless of their occupation.
For example, a farmer in the Northern Region who sees his work as a divine assignment is likely to tend to his crops with diligence and integrity, viewing his harvest as a blessing from God.
Similarly, a teacher in Accra who perceives her role as a ministry will invest time and care in her students, understanding that education is a pathway to community transformation.
Furthermore, it challenges societal structures to promote fair wages, safe working conditions, and equal opportunities for all, reflecting the Kingdom values of justice and compassion.
Churches must play roles in advocating for improved working conditions for workers and must also ensure that those under their employment also have satisfactory working conditions.
This perspective also emphasizes the need for collective action in addressing unemployment and underemployment.
For example, churches must initiate skills training programs for unemployed youth, equipping them with vocational skills that will enable them to participate meaningfully in the workforce.
Conclusion
As Ghana celebrates another May Day, Christians across the nation are reminded of the divine nature of work.
Work is a partnership with God in the stewardship of His creation. It is a calling that transcends personal ambition and seeks to reflect God’s glory through service and excellence.
In this light, May Day is not just a celebration of labour but a celebration of divine purpose in the everyday tasks that build families, communities, and nations.
